Identification of MMP1 as a novel risk factor for intracranial aneurysms in ADPKD using iPSC models

Tomonaga Ameku1, Daisuke Taura2, Masakatsu Sone2

  • 1Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan.

Scientific Reports
|July 16, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 1 may be a novel risk factor for intracranial aneurysms in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). Elevated MMP1 levels in ADPKD patients with intracranial aneurysms suggest a potential diagnostic marker.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Cardiology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Cardiovascular complications, particularly intracranial aneurysms (ICAs), are a leading cause of mortality in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD).
  • Current diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for ICAs in ADPKD patients remain underdeveloped.
  • Investigating the molecular mechanisms underlying ICAs in ADPKD is crucial for improving patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the potential role of matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP1) in the development of intracranial aneurysms (ICAs) in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD).
  • To establish and utilize induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from ADPKD patients to model disease-specific vascular alterations.
  • To identify novel biomarkers and risk factors associated with ICAs in the ADPKD population.

Main Methods:

  • Generation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from seven ADPKD patients, including four with a history of ICAs.
  • Differentiation of ADPKD-iPSCs into vascular cells to analyze calcium (Ca2+) entry and gene expression profiles.
  • Quantification of matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP1) expression in iPSC-derived endothelial cells and serum samples from ADPKD patients.

Main Results:

  • Vascular cells derived from ADPKD-iPSCs exhibited distinct Ca2+ entry and gene expression patterns compared to controls.
  • Specifically elevated expression of the matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP1) gene was observed in iPSC-derived endothelial cells from ADPKD patients with ICAs.
  • A significant correlation was confirmed between elevated serum MMP1 levels and the presence of ICAs in a cohort of 354 ADPKD patients.

Conclusions:

  • Elevated serum MMP1 levels represent a potential novel risk factor for the development of intracranial aneurysms in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease.
  • ADPKD-specific iPSC-derived cellular models are valuable tools for elucidating disease mechanisms and identifying novel disease-associated molecules.
  • Further research into MMP1's role could lead to improved diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for ICAs in ADPKD.

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